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The Big Indochina Adventure is just that...big on adventures, incredible sights, experiences & good times. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, to the serenity of Thailand's north, to the amazing colours & culture of Vietnam & the rugged terrain and archaeological treasures of Laos, it’s all here. Finish it up with the rich, but tragic, past of Cambodia & more as 25 days unfold Indochina’s best.

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok fellow globe roamers, where 25 glorious days of Asia exploration lie ahead of us. After checking into our hotel you may wish to do some DIY exploring, grab a massage or just lie by the pool soaking up those sweet Thai rays. Later the group will join forces to hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours. Maybe take to the streets for some authentic pad thai and eye-popping nightlife, or jump in a tuk-tuk and hit the buzzy Patpong Night Market, with its neon lights and vibrant street life.

02

Day 2: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

The Royal Palace and its 61 acres of incredible buildings will be number one on today's to do list. We'll start the day early, with so much to see there's no time to waste. We'll take a Locally Guided tour of Wat Arun temples, sitting by the side of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is one of the symbols of Thailand, with its golden temples gleaming in the sunshine giving us a peep into Thailand's Royal past. We'll follow this up with a tour of the klongs (canals) and some fish feeding, as well as watching locals go about their day and living life along the river. Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies, and we'll take it all in with our Local Guide leading the charge. Armed with more Local knowledge than we know what to do with, get ready for ME Time. From shopping, grabbing a massage to indulding in delicious local eats, this afternoon is gearing up to be brilliant.,,Bangkok, you've been a dream, but the show must go on! Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination, the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi to really get local. We jump straight into the way of life here, visiting sites including learning about the darker times past at the WWII Cemetery and the famed Bridge on the River Kwai, with our guide giving us all the info we need on this riverside spot steeped in history. There's nothing like getting some local transport to keep things intersting, so we'll pop into a boat along the River Kwai where we'll reach our home for the night, the The Jungle Raft Hotel, Kanchanaburi. Rooms lit by candle light are what you'll be greeted with, followed by a delicious included dinner of local specialties at dusk. You can even jump in the river directly from your room. Amazing! Because of course here at Contiki we like to keep things a bit special. Tonight as we watch the sunset over the landscape we'll no doubt be toasting our first full day on the trip and contemplating just how good life is.

03

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, eat breakfast & if you’re lucky catch a glimpse of the local elephant taking their morning dip. We start our day with a visit to the notorious Death Railway & see the infamous bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll head to a Sai Yok elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. We’ll spend half a day learning about how the haven rescue & care for these beautiful creatures. This afternoon is free to explore Kanchanaburi town.

04

Day 4: Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya

We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls, one of the most famous National Parks of Thailand, made up from seven levels of stunning waterfalls. Take a quick dip in the emerald green ponds, dive into the clear waters & get that FOMO Insta shot before we head off to our next stop Ayutthaya.,,We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past luscious rice paddies, colourful temples & quaint villages. Ride past ornate temples, towering spires, and beautiful palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai.

05

Day 5: Arrive Chiang Mai

Good morning travellers. We pull into Thailand's northern capital bright and early, and the city is yours to make the most of YOU style - maybe that means roaming the old quarter or the city's heart on foot, maybe it means little more than a Thai massage or lazing back by the hotel pool. Tonight, why not explore the buzzy night markets that make Chiang Mai so legendary, just ask your Trip Manager for some tips on where to head and what to do.

06

Day 6: Chiang Mai

With a ziplining experience on the cards today for those feeling adventurous, we'll be thanking ourselves for this chance to return. Tonight, dabbling in the art of Thai cooking will be one activity that most of us can't resist.

07

Day 7: Chiang Mai to Pakbeng

This morning we say goodbye to Chiang Mai and Thailand and hello to Laos, as we take a hop across the border.,After collecting our passport stamps we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local slow boat. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning countryside & glimpses of local communities as we meander down the Mekong. Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

08

Day 8: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang

Leaving Pakbeng, we make our way to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals.

09

Day 9: Luang Prabang

This morning early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals kissed by the sun's morning rays. Later we'll get things a little more active with a bike tour around the alluring city that pops in to the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans will complete your morning. Later, then a swim under the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls could provide your daily nature fix, but most of the day is yours to visit palaces & temples & watch local life by the river, or choose to explore any way that suits.

10

Day 10: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

This morning we take an overland journey to a lively tourist hub filled with opportunities for adventure. It makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier.,,Known for its dramatic limestone karsts & world food flair, Vang Vieng will keep you busy for the next two nights. Explore the local rivers and caves or sit in a pizza joint surrounded by like minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

11

Day 11: Vang Vieng

Today is yours to conquer Vang Vieng. Stuck for ideas? Grab a pushbike and allow yourself to get a little lost, stopping at swimming holes and weaving through limestone caves, watching life unfold in the pretty countryside of Laos. For those keen to keep things active, you could head to some local caves for some kayaking and exploring another side of Vang Vieng. After all that exercise, a Chang or two will be on the cards, so tonight, ask your Trip Manager for the best place to head for a sunset beverage, this riverside setting is the stuff dreams are made of, and tonight will be a night to never forget.

12

Day 12: Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot.,,Vientiane,Welcome to the capital of Vientiane. If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised; the vibe in this quaint Mekong town is strictly chilled and as the French inspired capital, it's a perfect place to explore. View the city's very own 'Arc de Triomphe' and take in the city sights. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to visit the COPE centre, a local charity that provide prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded land mines. Our visit here will also provide an insight into Laos’ troubled history, and is a great chance for us to lend a helping hand to the Laotian community.

13

Day 13: Vientiane to Phnom Penh

Vientaine,This morning we cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make for the capital of Cambodia.,,Phnom Penh,Although it's easy to find reminders of Cambodia's dark past in the city of Phnom Penh, it is also a place brightened by shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. We'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our Local Guide. With knowledge in hand, we'll lighten the mood by paying a visit to the Tree Alliance restaurant, where disadvantaged and former street children are trained up in hospitality skills. And wow, do they do it well; their frozen shakes and mouth-watering menu never fail to impress. Later tonight, the night is yours to explore as you please.

14

Day 14: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Phnom Penh,Another included flight takes us out of Cambodia's capital this morning, landing us in the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world.,- Included flight to Siem Reap,,Siem Reap,You could relax poolside this afternoon, before seeing what's going on by night! There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with, like local night markets though probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World and something we know you've all been waiting for.

15

Day 15: Siem Reap

Prepare to be moved to the core this morning as we journey to Angkor Wat through dawn's hours in preparation for sunrise. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of watching the day's first rays touch this ancient spiritual site, it's pretty much magic. After a siesta and pool hangs to break up the day back at our hotel, we journey back to the temples to explore Angkor Thom and the Tomb Raider temple of Ta Prohm, which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. With no early rise on tomorrow's agenda, we can let loose on the city's famous Pub Street and the buzzing local night markets.

16

Day 16: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

Siem Reap,With plenty of free time in Siem Reap before our afternoon flight to Vietnam, you can get busy with some DIY exploring. Head to the local markets to stock up on souvenirs and tasty snacks, or simply unwind by the pool, reflecting on the magnificence of yesterday.,,Ho Chi Minh City,With a coriander filled Bánh mì in one hand and a Vietnamese coffee in the other, hit the road and get ready to explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh. Tonight we take on the Ben Thanh markets where you can eat and shop to your wanderlusting hearts content.

17

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City,,It's goodbye busy city and hello river life today as we make for the Mekong Delta for an extra special overnight experience you won't be forgetting fast.,,Mekong Delta,,Travelling down the river on local sampans, peace and tranquility will be at an all time high. This afternoon we'll spend our time getting a serious learning fix by visiting a local tea garden and seeing the floating markets, learning about local industries along the river and the way of life here and meet some of the friendliest people on earth. Definetely one to give us all the local feels, topped off with a night at our Mekong Guesthouse.

18

Day 18: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong Delta,After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh, detouring past the staggering 250-kilometres of tunnels that make up the Viet Cong’s Cu Chi.,,Cu Chi Tunnels,See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past.,,Ho Chi Minh City,Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise to use your time (we think).

19

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City,With some traditional R'n'R on our afternoon agenda, the morning can be used to put on our discovering boots. We'll dabble in history and religion before taking flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea.,,Nha Trang,Golden sand beaches, turquoise oceans, water sports galore - this is Nha Trang. This afternoon why not book in for a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience before heading out to dinner with your crew. Ah, the good life.

20

Day 20: Nha Trang

Good news - we're kicking it in Nha Trang for another night. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise to see this area by water stopping for plenty of refreshing swim stops, or just hang on the beach saving your energy for seaside bar fun as the sun sets.

21

Day 21: Nha Trang to Hoi An

Catch you later Nha Trang and hello Hoi An.,,Hoi An,Get your bearings with a guided tour through the Old Quarter, and fall deeply in love with this perfect spot. Japanese Bridge, French Colonial vibes and brighly coloured buildings are endlessly charming. You'll be feeling hungry no doubt, so tonight we'll bet we can tempt you with our optional Vietnamese cooking class to get your cooking skills on form and show off to your friends back home. With our expert chef leading the charge, you'll soon be feeling like a bit of an expert. Armed with new skills, ask your Trip Manager about where to head for a night out with the group.

22

Day 22: Hoi An

Short drive from Hoi An are the famous Marble Mountains, a collection of 5 peaks that represent the 5 Elements in Vietnamese folk lore – metal, wood, earth, fire and water. Our local guide will take us on a tour through the Thuy Son caves and grottos which are home to some of the most beautiful and intricate stone carvings in the area. The Marble Mountains were also the hiding place of the US Forces during the Vietnam Conflict and even a military hospital! Hear about the history while taking in panoramic views and later, kick back at An Bang Beach before heading back to Hoi An for more ME Time.

23

Day 23: Hoi An to Hue

Hoi An,Though we'll have grown content with Hoi An life, this morning the show must go on. After all, the former imperial town of Hue has invited us over, and we'd be foolish to turn it down.,,Hue,Intricately decorated pavilions, lotus flower ponds, and colourful artworks mark our first sightseeing venture in Hue. Totally in awe of Tu Duc Mausoleum, we move on to the 7-story Thien Mu Pagoda & learn of the horrific history of the Hue Buddhist massacre as well as taking in a cyclo ride to see the city from a whole new angle.

24

Day 24: Hue to Hanoi

Hue,Today we fly out of Hue in the direction of Vietnam's time capsule capital. A trio of influences and filled with romance and our time here will see us utterly smitten.,,Hanoi,With an epic fusion of French, Chinese & Vietnamese influence, you'll be nothing short of ecstatic as we check-in to our Hanoi hotel, right in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Our time will be spent weaving through a maze of 36 trading streets filled with colourful goods for sale, and unwinding in the walled gardens of the Temple of Literature. Later, we'll roam Parisian-style boulevards and maybe dine on a nom ngo sen lotus-stem salad, dau chien ron fried tofu & a few bia hoi beers.

25

Day 25: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Hanoi,After a Hanoi history 101 lesson we move on to Halong Bay where a night on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site awaits. With Halong Bay on our horizon, we'll learn about this special part of the world from our guide and all it's history, with endless chances to ask about just how these stunning limestone kasts were actually formed, before you discover them for yourself.,,Halong Bay,A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of 'oh wow's, but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We will pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos, & stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with No Regrets moments and simply unforgettable.

26

Day 26: Halong Bay to Hanoi

Halong Bay,Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast and a grotto swim - quite possibly being joined by some monkey shaped friends. Make the most of your time on the junk boat & perhaps kayak your way around Halong Bay - the views don't get much better than this.,,Hanoi,After cruising back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow - this evening is all about making the most of our time & staying positive. With tonight marking the last night of the adventure, we'll no doubt find a local nightspot and toast the trip over some delicious Vietnamese eats like steaming Pho, goi cuon rice paper rolls and bahn xeo before heading out for some Hanoi by night hangs.

27

Day 27: Hanoi

After one final breakfast together it's finally time to say goodbye (sob). Team, it's been epic.

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Tour Highlights:

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi: Guided tour of the Wat Arun temples,Explore Long-tail boat tour of the waterways and canals,Included boat ride along the River Kwai,Locally Guided tour of Kanchanaburi,Guided tour of Grand Palace

Vientiane to Phnom Penh: City tour and visit to the Khmer Rouge “Killing Fields” genocide sites,Experience modern Cambodian cuisine at a restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality.

Siem Reap: Guided tour of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City: Included flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta: Mekong Delta Special Stay experience,Visit a local tea garden,See local Industry demonstrations

Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang: Visit to the War Remnants Museum,View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace

Nha Trang: Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters

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